Justin Turner recently joined the Chicago Cubs on a one-year, $6 million contract. Turner provides some positional and hitting depth to the Cubs, where he can spell Michael Busch at first base, Seiya Suzuki at DH, and Matt Shaw at third. Most importantly, Turner is a seasoned veteran of multiple Los Angeles Dodgers playoff runs. His arrival in Chicago is more than just about his numbers – it’s a signal that the front office sees this as a team that’s ready to compete.
Turner didn’t sign with the Cubs to be an everyday starter. Those days are behind him. However, Turner brings the kind of veteran leadership that only comes from years of high-pressure postseason experience. For a team with multiple young players like Michael Busch and Matt Shaw, Turner’s leadership and guidance could be the difference between a Cubs team that ho-hums its way through the season or one that dominates the NL Central and makes a run in October.
While Turner is certainly no longer the offensive force he was in his prime, age has not slowed him down too much. He’s had a wRC+ of 115 or better the last four seasons and still has the ability to pop balls over the fence. While he won’t be logging everyday innings, Turner’s bat will still be an essential asset for manager Craig Counsell to use in pinch-hitting situations late in games.
While certainly not as splashy a player as Alex Bregman, the signing of Justin Turner is a clear signal from the Cubs’ front office: this season isn’t about rebuilding—it’s about contending. Turner may not be the everyday starter he once was, but his postseason pedigree, combined with a savvy understanding of situational baseball, makes him an ideal fit for a team hungry for playoff success.
Featured image of Justin Turner by Matt Dirksen/Chicago Cubs/Getty Images
Jack Turek is Bat Flips & Nerds’ correspondent for all things Chicago, particularly the White Sox and occasionally the Cubs.
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